Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” That timeless insight remains relevant today as the Salisbury Township School District prepares to welcome students back for the new school year.

Teacher assignments have been sent, schedules have been finalized and educators at all levels have been working hard to create a welcoming environment that inspires students to do their best.

Parents and students also have plenty of preparation to complete before the school year begins, including gathering supplies and adjusting sleep and activity schedules.

Aug. 24 will be orientation day for students in kindergarten, fifth grade and ninth grade. The first day of school for all students is Aug. 25. There will be no school Sept. 4 or Sept. 7.

Device distribution will take place Aug. 26. Students should have a completed Device Agreement Form A, handbook consent form and optional insurance fee ready to submit that day.

If you are in need of school supplies, The Salvation Army, 144 N. Eighth St., Allentown, will hold a backpack giveaway for Lehigh Valley children in grades 1-12. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 and will include school supplies, food, arts and crafts, games and gifts for the whole family.

Salisbury Middle School will hold an open house 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 20. Salisbury High School’s open house will be held 6:45 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24.

Anticipation is building for The Great Allentown Fair, which runs Sept. 2-7 and promises attractions for visitors of all ages, including grandstand entertainment, midway rides, food, agricultural exhibits and competitions.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 12 when The Large Flowerheads bring the sounds of the 1960s and 1970s to Franko Park, 1301 Black River Road, Bethlehem. The performance will be held 1 to 4 p.m. Bring family and friends, along with lawn chairs and an appetite. Food trucks, including Cactus Blue, Top of the Hill Grill and The Inside Scoop, will be on site.

The township’s yard waste drop-off centers remain open for the disposal of yard waste and branches. The Devonshire site will be open Aug. 20 and 22, while the Franko site will accept yard waste Aug. 24, 27 and 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

“If you think your teachers are tough, wait till you get a boss.” — Bill Gates